Matilda Mataya Causey went home to heaven on June 25, 2022, at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tillie, as she was known to everyone, graced this earth for over 99 years. She had an outgoing personality, never meeting a stranger.
Tillie was born in Dawson, New Mexico, on September 10, 1922. Her parents, Angelina and Paul Mataya were immigrants from Croatia. Later her parents, along with Tillie and her younger brothers Charlie and Johnny, moved to the coal mining camp of Brilliant, New Mexico. Tillie often talked about the wonderful childhood she experienced growing up in the diverse, yet close-knit coal camps. Although she spoke no English when she started school. Tillie soon excelled, later graduating from high school at st. Patrick’s Academy in Raton.
Tillie was a nursing student in Albuquerque, where she met a young soldier on a blind date. Marvin Causey was home on leave from the Army Air Corps. She and Marvin were soon married, a marriage that would span 79 years. When Tillie and Marvin began their life together, WWII was raging. Although the war caused them to be separated for long periods, they got to be together while Marvin was stationed in Miami, Florida, and Norfolk, Virginia.
When the war ended, Tillie and Marvin made their home in Albuquerque, where they would live the rest of their lives. Their family began to grow when their daughter Patti was born, followed by sons, Floyd and Paul, and daughters, Karen and Michele. Tillie was devoted to her family, including those who came to her by marriage or other ways.
Tillie worked as a buyer for Mindlin Jewelers in Albuquerque before becoming a full-time homemaker. She was active in the community in various ways, including serving as a volunteer at the gift shop at St. Joseph’s Hospital for many years. Election days would find her working at the polls. Tillie enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and was known for being a sharp Scrabble player.
Tillie was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Angelina Mataya; her husband, Marvin; her brothers, Charlie and Johnny; and her sons, Floyd and Paul. She is survived by daughters; Karen Bootzin, Patti(Marv) Newton, Michele (Wes) Goodson; and daughter-in-law Ginger Causey. She is survived by grandchildren: Andrea Kachelmeier, Kevin Causey, Joshua Bootzin, Tracy Meier, Robert Newton, and Michael Newton. She is also fondly remembered by her ten great-grandchildren, as well as other relatives and friends.
